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Should I bathe my cat? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associate

Most cats do not need to be bathed as they essentially bathe themselves through grooming. However, in cases of skin conditions or other medical issues that prevent them from self-grooming, a bath may be necessary. Be warned, most cats do not enjoy baths!

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

Is it necessary for me to groom my cat? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associate

Many cats do not require human assistance in grooming. If they are healthy, they are usually capable of taking care of all their grooming needs. However, certain underlying medical conditions or other issues may require human intervention.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

How do I know if my dog has eaten something toxic to them? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates

Typically, if a dog has ingested something toxic, they may start vomiting, have diarrhea, heavily salivate, or appear dizzy, confused, or out of it. The exact symptoms can depend on the toxin. Things that should be avoided in dogs include chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onions, garlic, chives, anything high in fat, and any bones that could splinter and cause choking.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

How does an elimination diet work? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates

An elimination diet involves feeding your dog a specific food that eliminates all potential allergens. These diets usually involve hydrolyzed protein or amino acid level foods and are prescription made by a company. After feeding this diet for eight to 12 weeks, you reevaluate the dog's condition. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itchiness have cleared up, then you know the food trial was a success. After that, you start to reintroduce one ingredient at a time to see if your dog reacts to it.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

Can changing my dog’s diet suddenly cause harm? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates

Changing a dog's diet too quickly can certainly cause some gastrointestinal upset, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, or a decreased appetite. Therefore, whenever you change your dog's food, you should transition it slowly over a period of about five to seven days.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

How do I know if the food I'm giving my dog is making them sick? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates

If a food is making a dog sick, you may see symptoms like increased vomiting, softer stool than usual, or allergies that manifest as licking or chewing their feet, and unusually itchy, smelly skin. If you notice these signs, the food may not be agreeing with your dog.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

Can I feed my dog human food? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates

Human food can be a challenging thing to know what can be good or bad for your dog. All human food should be given in moderation if you're going to feed it. You need to consider the size of your dog and their calorie needs compared to ours. What you think may be a small amount of human food is actually a large amount that can cause a lot of issues. There are also certain human foods that need to be avoided at all costs.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from

Is dry food, wet food, or a combination of both best for dogs? - Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates

The choice between dry, wet, or a combination of both depends on what works best for you and your dog. Typically, a dog's diet is mostly made up of hard kibble, with wet food occasionally added as a treat or to encourage eating. Dogs don't require wet food to survive, as a balanced kibble will provide all they need.

Contributed by Dr. Kathleen Laux from
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